What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spaces within the spine become narrowed, placing pressure on the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves. This narrowing most commonly develops as part of the natural aging process but may also occur due to herniated discs, arthritis, or other spinal conditions. Spinal stenosis affects one out of 1,000 persons over age 65, and can result in pain in the neck, mid-back, or low back region.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis?
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the narrowing. Some people have significant narrowing seen on imaging but experience few or no symptoms, while others develop progressive pain and neurologic symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and/or discomfort in the neck or low back
- Numbness and/or tingling radiating into the extremities
- Cramping, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs when standing or walking (neurogenic claudication)
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Weakness in the extremities
Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity and typically progress gradually over time.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis
Age-related degeneration is the most common cause of spinal stenosis; most people who are diagnosed with this condition are over age 50. Other common causes include:
- Arthritis including bone spur (osteophyte) formation
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Thickening of the spinal ligaments (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy)
- Spinal trauma or fractures
- Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra over another)
- Congenital spinal stenosis (being born with a narrower spinal canal)
- Less commonly, tumors or spinal infections
How Is Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed and Treated?
Your provider will review your medical history, perform a detailed physical and neurologic examination, and evaluate your symptoms. Diagnostic testing may include x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the amount of nerve compression. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers
- Activity modification and/or weight loss
- Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root injections to reduce inflammation and pain
If conservative treatment does not provide adequate relief, progressive weakness develops, significant neurologic deficits develop, or severe spinal cord or nerve compression is present, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. In some patients, spinal fusion may also be recommended to stabilize the spine.
If you are suffering from pain or discomfort due to spinal stenosis, call or book an appointment with our team at Premier NeuroSpine Institute today. Our providers will work with you to determine an appropriate course of treatment so you can enjoy better health and a higher quality of life.